Protection & Control Relay Technician

Protection & Control Relay Technician

The Protection & Control (P&C) Relay Technician performs installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protection, control, and automation systems within electric utility substations and related facilities. This role supports the safe and reliable operation of transmission and distribution systems by ensuring relays, control circuits, and associated equipment perform according to engineering design, utility standards, and regulatory requirements.

Work assignments, responsibilities, and task complexity may vary depending on classification (e.g., Technician, Journeyman, Cable Splicer, or other IBEW Local 102 designations) as outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Key Responsibilities

Protection & Control Testing & Commissioning

• Perform functional and acceptance testing of protective relays, control circuits, and substation devices.
• Conduct end-to-end testing including CT/PT verification, polarity and phasing checks, trip testing, interlock verification, and system integration checks.
• Support commissioning of new or upgraded protection schemes such as feeder, transformer, bus, line, breaker failure, differential, and other protective functions.
• Assist in validating protective relay settings, logic, wiring, and control functions in accordance with engineering documentation.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform scheduled and corrective maintenance on protective relays, SCADA systems, RTUs, switchgear control circuits, and associated equipment.
• Investigate system events, alarms, and misoperations and assist in retrieving and interpreting relay event records and oscillography.
• Diagnose issues involving AC/DC control circuits, communications links, power equipment, and automation systems.

Installation & Field Support

• Install, route, terminate, and verify control wiring, grounding conductors, relay panels, and control devices.
• Assist with substation upgrades, relay replacements, panel retrofits, and modernization initiatives.
• Collaborate with construction crews, engineers, and utility personnel to ensure installations meet safety and design requirements.

SCADA, Communications & Integration

• Assist with SCADA, RTU, and IED communication testing including point-to-point verification with control centers.
• Support configurations involving protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 61850 (GOOSE/MMS), depending on system requirements.
• Validate status, analog signals, and control functions for remote monitoring and automation systems.

Documentation & Quality Control

• Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, redlines, as-found/as-left conditions, and commissioning records.
• Review and interpret drawings such as one-lines, three-lines, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
• Ensure configuration files, relay settings, and system records are updated and retained per company and regulatory requirements.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Work in accordance with all safety rules, procedures, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) protocols associated with high-voltage environments.
• Follow established switching procedures and hazard controls for energized and de-energized work.
• Support compliance activities associated with internal standards and applicable reliability requirements (e.g., NERC PRC testing intervals when applicable).

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with system operators, engineers, construction teams, and other field crews to execute work safely and efficiently.
• Communicate job status, site conditions, and system readiness clearly and professionally.
• Participate in ongoing training and development in accordance with IBEW Local 102 standards and employer requirements.

Qualifications (Applicable Across Levels)

Note: Specific experience or certification expectations may vary by Local 102 classification or employer requirements.

Education & Experience

• Completion of IBEW apprenticeship, accredited electrical program, cable splicer training, or demonstrated equivalent field experience.
• Experience with relay testing equipment (e.g., Omicron, Doble, Megger) is preferred but not required for all classifications.
• Familiarity with electrical protection principles, substation equipment, and AC/DC control systems.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and technical documents.
• Understanding of electrical theory, instrument transformers, protective relays, and control circuits.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills; commitment to detail and high-quality work.
• Ability to work safely in outdoor and energized environments.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to lift equipment, climb, bend, and work in field substation conditions.
• Willingness to work overtime, shifts, call-outs, and travel based on project and operational needs.

Working Conditions

• Work performed in utility substations, control houses, switchyards, and other field locations.
• Exposure to weather, energized equipment, loud noise, and industrial conditions requiring appropriate PPE.
• Work hours may vary based on system outages, commissioning schedules, or emergency response needs.

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